“Will the survivors envy the dead,” was a question of one staffer Tuesday afternoon when the Beacon Journal announced intentions to lay off about 25 per cent of the newsroom staff.
Managers affected by the layoffs were design editor Mike Needs, deputy metro editor David Wilson and David Helmick, computer guy for the newsroom.
A total of 41 or 42 staffers including 36 in Guild and management positions were given the required 60-day notice. Those whom the layoffs would affect were named with indications by the company it would reduce the number one for one if others resigned. If a photographer resigned, for instance, then a photographer would not be laid off.
The sports department took a big hit. Artists Steinhauer and Hagedorn, eight copy editors, four photographers, 11 reporters, a librarian, three clerks and seven college student correspondents. Generally those with least seniority by job title lost their jobs.
Layoffs will save $2.3 million annually, according to publisher Edward Moss. [That figure must include other layoffs in the plant.] Moss and editor Debra Adams Simmons said there are no guarantees there will not be more layoffs. More layoffs will come for other employees outside the newsrooom. The newsroom layoffs came first apparently because of the 60-day notice requirement.
Guild members will get severance pay outlined in the contract–two weeks for each year worked up to two years' pay.
“Our goal is to stop the losses (in revenue), Moss said. Simmons said the cuts could have been deeper, but that conversations she had with the new owner yielded fewer layoffs.
The voluntary resignations will be accepted during the 60-day notice period with the same severance pay guaranteed.
“Most of you–your jobs will change” Simmons said.
[Nobody knows yet exactly how they will change, but those left behind no doubt will have to do the work of those who are leaving.]
This is incredibly sad. But like Knight Ridder, the real Beacon died a long time ago; this is just pulling out the last feeding tube.
ReplyDeleteLooks like the BJ no longer teeters on the brink.....it done fell over the edge. Who ever said Canadians gave a crap about good journalism? I'm glad the John Knight's name is no longer connected with this downfall of the BJ. Now, if we can only hang on to some sort of retirement benefits. Good luck to all....
ReplyDeleteDon Roese
"Now, if we can only hang on to some sort of retirement benefits."
ReplyDelete-- Don Roese
Amen!
When will THIS shoe fall, and on the retirees?
Maybe Black Inc. will start paying BJ's survivors in Canadian money, a de facto pay cut.
A case of Molson and a Beaver Skin, maybe that's the best we can hope for.
ReplyDeleteAs a member of the Beacon's Virtual Readers Network for over two years, I am very upset over the layoff of former Public Editor Mike Needs. For many of us laymen, Mike was the face/voice of the Beacon. His knowledge of the newspaper business and obvious love of the journalism profession represented the paper well. He will be missed.
ReplyDeleteI thought that our pension was separate from the BJ and couldn't be touched by the new owner, though the medical is up for grabs. Am I mistaken?
ReplyDeleteOtt Gangl
Mike Needs is indeed a good man and fine journalist. I have always considered him a friend and fellow newspaperman. However, he is only one of many "Good men, and women, and fine jouralists" that have been let go, to the detriment of the BJ. Lets hope that everything works out well for them.
ReplyDeleteOtt, as for the retirment benefits, I have no idea at all who controls them. I sure hope it isn't that Canuck.